Mumbai, July 15 -- Some actors build careers around an image. Abhay Verma seems to be building his around surprises. At 27, the actor has assembled a filmography that refuses to be boxed into a single genre, a single persona or even a single idea of what a leading man should look like. In an industry where one successful film often dictates the next five, Verma's choices have consistently zigged when everyone expected him to zag.

Munjya (2024): Then came the film that changed everything. Munjya wasn't bought on star power. It became a phenomenon because the audiences could relate to its humour, folklore and heart. As Bittu, Verma brought an effortless relatability that made him instantly likeable. The film crossed expectations at the box...